Explain how Cohen used the “middle-class measuring rod” to explain gang formation.

What will be an ideal response?


Cohen pointed out that when you place boys (the sample he used) from the lower-class in a middle-class school with middle-class boys, it only makes sense that the lower-class boys will not “measure up” to the middle-class standards/values. Why? Because they have been socialized per their class’ values and norms, just as the middle-class boys have been socialized to their class’ values and norms. If this “middle-class measuring rod” is the standard that each of the two group of boys, then the lower-class boys will come up short. Their reaction to this leads to the formation of gangs. (instructor’s preference about whether to require the identification of the three types of gangs and how they form).

Criminal Justice

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